Igniting curiosity for Jain scholarship in U.S. academic institutions
In the academic landscape of the United States, a significant shift has been taking place over the past few decades. The rise of Jain studies programs in various universities is transforming the way students understand and engage with this minority Indian religion.
Dr. Jasvant Modi, a retired physician and immigrant, has been instrumental in this development. Arriving in the U.S. in 1975, Dr. Modi noticed that the Indian immigrant community was just beginning to establish its presence. Recognizing the importance of academia in fostering understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures, he set out to increase awareness of Jainism in academic settings.
Fifteen years ago, a professor of Jain studies estimated that about 90% of his students had never heard of Jainism. Today, classes and symposiums on the topic are full, sometimes with a waitlist. This surge in interest is evident in the increased understanding of Jainism among students.
Since 2010, more than 30 universities in the U.S. have established Jain studies chairs, lectureships, or fellowships. Notable institutions such as Rice University and Georgetown University are set to begin new Jain studies programs. These programs are encouraging a new generation of Jains to become scholars, examining how Jain values, including environmentalism, can be applied to contemporary life and professional fields.
At least 45 students in the U.S. are pursuing a doctorate in Jain studies, marking a shift from the community's traditional focus on professions such as business, engineering, and medicine. This shift is a testament to the growing interest and importance placed on Jain studies in academic circles.
One of the most significant developments in this field is the establishment of the first endowed professorship of Jain Studies at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), thanks to a $1.5 million donation from Dr. Jasvant Modi. This donation was inspired by the Jain value of Aparigraha, which encourages giving for the benefit of others when one has more than they need.
Dr. Modi believes the study of all religions is important because they all share a core purpose: preserving humanity. He hopes that this education will inspire a new generation to become leaders who can "make the world better."
Interestingly, most of the new academic chairs created for Jain studies are named after the 24 Tirthankaras of Jainism, rather than the families that donated them. This naming convention reinforces the faith's core principles and provides a unique identity for these programs.
Sulekh Jain, founder of JAINA, stated that these programs are encouraging a new generation of Jains to become scholars. This development is not only enriching the academic community but also fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of Jainism among students and the wider public.
Jain immigrants viewed universities as "temples of knowledge" and felt it was crucial to increase awareness of their faith in academic settings. Dr. Modi's efforts, along with the support of his wife Meera and other donors, have played a significant role in this transformation.
As we move forward, it will be interesting to see how these new scholars will apply Jain values to contemporary life and professional fields, and how their research will contribute to a better understanding of this ancient religion.
Read also:
- Medical professional advocates for increased action to address deficiency of primary care physicians
- Political Leadership Ought to Prioritize Topical Influence: Reasons and Implications
- "Slave narrative 'Scourged Back' stirs up America's censorship dialogue"
- Treating hypertension can potentially add a decade to a person's life span.
